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Are you an organized suitcase packer or do you just throw in what you remember to bring at last minute leaving caution in the wind? Regardless of whether you plan every item or not, here are a few things you should make sure are in your suitcase when packing for your next trip:

Clothes- Sure, this is an obvious one, but specifically I mean weather appropriate clothes. Look up the weather report for the area you are going to be in for the time you will be there. Most weather reports can be predicted a couple of days to a couple of weeks ahead of your visit. I don’t know about you, but I would hate to have a suitcase full of sweaters in 90 degree weather or a bunch of shorts and flip flops when a cold snap hits.

Appropriate shoes- Think ahead about the activities you will be doing on your trip. Will you be hiking and exploring nature or just relaxing in a mostly sedentary setting? Your feet will thank you for planning out your footwear!

Emergency contact info- You might be thinking you can just keep all of this in your smart phone, but keep a printed copy in your suitcase as well. On your list should be people to contact in the event anything happens to you as well as numbers to call if your wallet goes missing and you need to cancel cards.

Prescription medications- It’s hard to believe that this is one of the most frequently forgotten items when packing, but it is. Where you are traveling may not have a pharmacy and if you have a prescription you need daily this can wreak havoc on a vacation.

Topical/over the counter meds- Ibuprofen, lip balm, aids for a stomach ache, etc… Having these meds can help with minor sickness so it doesn’t hurt to bring a mini- first aid kit of sorts.

Copies of important documents- You will likely keep your passport and identification on your person; but have a copy of these important documents in your suitcase too.

Is there an essential item above we missed? What do you think is something crucial to pack for a trip?